LSU linebacker Jacob Phillips, an East Nashville graduate, declares for NFL Draft

East Nashville graduate Jacob Phillips, who was a key part of LSU's national championship win over Clemson on Monday, has declared for the NFL Draft.

Phillips, a junior and starting inside linebacker, recorded a team-high 113 tackles this season. That included eight total tackles, including five solo, in LSU's 42-25 win over Clemson to complete a 15-0 season.

"The past three years at LSU have been a dream come true," Phillips wrote in a tweet announcing his NFL plans. "I am and will forever be a champion."

Phillips was the No. 1-ranked inside linebacker in the country and No. 61 college football prospect overall, according to the 247Sports Composite in the Class of 2017.

He originally committed to Oklahoma before decommitting and choosing LSU a week before national signing day.

Phillips was No. 4 on The Tennessean's 2016 Dandy Dozen, a collection of the top college football prospects from the Nashville area for the Class of 2017.

He was the Tennessee Titans 2016 Class 3A Mr. Football Lineman of the Year and the first from East Nashville to be named Mr. Football. Phillips, who was a nominee for The Tennessean's TitanUp Football Player of the Year that season, had 123 tackles and two defensive scores his senior season.

Phillips transferred to East Nashville from Beech after his sophomore season.

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-259-8089 or tkreager@tennessean.com and on Twitter @Kreager.